Multiple people, including children, killed in Montana home shooting and fire

Authorities are investigating a shooting and fire that erupted inside a Billings, Montana, home Sunday evening, resulting in multiple fatalities, including children. The suspect involved in the incident died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement.

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The initial investigation shows that this event started as a family disturbance and was not a random act of violence where the parties were unknown to each other.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office described the incident as originating from a "family disturbance" and not a random act of violence, stating that the perpetrator knew the targeted individuals. "The initial investigation shows that this event started as a family disturbance and was not a random act of violence where the parties were unknown to each other," the office said in a statement, assuring the public that "there is no further danger to the public."

While authorities have identified the suspect and victims, the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and Billings Police Department have not publicly released the exact number of victims, their ages, or other personal details. However, interim Yellowstone County Sheriff Kent O'Donnell confirmed at a briefing Monday that both adults and children were among those killed, CBS affiliate KTVQ reported.

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there is no further danger to the public.

Police responded to a call reporting an active shooter at the residence around 6 p.m. local time Sunday. An officer arrived within 15 minutes to the sound of shots fired from the back of the house, shortly before smoke began to engulf the property. Video shared by KTVQ showed a large plume of smoke rising into the air.

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First and foremost, the Billings Police Department extends our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this awful tragedy.

Sgt. Jeff Stovall of the Billings Police Department extended condolences to those affected by the "awful tragedy." The sheriff's office is leading the ongoing investigation and will provide updates as available, requesting the public to avoid the crime scene as evidence collection is expected to take multiple days. "We understand there are many questions surrounding this investigation," Stovall said. "However, to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, there are details we simply cannot release at this time."

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We understand there are many questions surrounding this investigation.